Water Flow Diversion Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A water flow diversion apparatus is provided. The water flow diversion apparatus includes a planar base. The planar base is installable upon or below a ground surface. A barrier extends upward from the planar base. The barrier is designed to redirect the flow of water when the water contacts the barrier. The barrier also includes a pair of support braces. The support braces are secured between the planar base and the barrier so that they provide additional support to the barrier to withstand the impact of water flow.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/905,807 filed on Sep. 25, 2019. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a water flow diversion apparatus. Morespecifically, the present invention provides an installable apparatusfor diverting water, such as flood waters, away from a desired area.

In many areas, it is common to experience large volume of rain, snow, orother precipitation. As rain falls and as snow melts, the result is aflow of running water from a higher ground level to a lower groundlevel. As running water flows, it can be destructive in numerous ways.For example, large volumes of water can accumulate and flow along loosegravel, unpaved and naturally formed roads and driveways, causing themto wash out or causing the formation of large ruts in these roadways.Steep driveways, in particular, are susceptible to washouts, as thewater flow passing over them is higher than that of a less steepdriveway.

Over time, the condition of these roads and driveways may diminish tothe point where they are undrivable. In some cases, a vehicle couldbecome stuck in the road or driveway, requiring the use of a tow truckor a winch to get out. In addition to the risks to vehicles traveling inthe roads and driveways, the cost of repairing such damage can besignificant. In some cases, the entire road section or driveway may needto be replaced to return the road or driveway to a drivable condition.Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known prior art devicesand methods for an improved apparatus for preventing water damage toroads and driveways that are particularly susceptible to such damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofwater redirection devices and methods now present in the prior art, thepresent invention provides a water flow diversion apparatus wherein thesame can be utilized for providing convenience for the user whenredirecting a running flow of water away from a desired area.

The present system comprises a planar base. The planar base isconfigured to secure to or below a ground surface. A barrier extendsupward from the planar base. The barrier is perpendicular to the base,such that the barrier is maintained in a substantially verticalposition. Furthermore, the barrier is configured to redirect a flow ofwater that comes into contact with the barrier, or the portion of thebarrier that extends above the ground surface on which it is installed.The barrier comprises a pair of support braces on each side of theplanar base. The support braces provide additional support to thebarrier by spreading out the impact on the barrier amongst a greaterarea of the planar base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the water flowdiversion apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the water flowdiversion apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom-up view of an embodiment of the water flowdiversion apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows a demonstrative view of an embodiment of the water flowdiversion apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the water flow diversion apparatus. The figures are intendedfor representative purposes only and should not be considered to belimiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of the water flow diversion apparatus. The water flowdiversion apparatus 10 comprises a planar base 11. The planar base 11 isconfigured to secure to a ground surface or to be buried underneath aground surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the planar base 11 isrectangular, such as to provide a sufficiently large surface area forproviding structural stability to the planar base 11 and the componentsin operable connection with the planar base 11. The planar base 11, aswell as the other components of the water flow diversion apparatus 10,are made of any suitable material for use in water current redirection.For example, in some embodiments, the water flow diversion apparatus 10may be made of a rubber material, such as recycled rubber.

A barrier 12 extends upward from the top surface 13 of the planar base11. A lower portion 15 of the barrier 12 extends upward perpendicularlyfrom the planar base 11 forming a joint 16 that is roughly 90 degrees.Structurally, the barrier 12 is of any suitable size, shape, orconfiguration for redirecting a water current exerted upon the barrier12. In some embodiments, the barrier 12 is of a uniform thickness alongthe entire length and height of the barrier 12. However, in alternateembodiments, the thickness of the barrier may vary. For example, in thedemonstrated embodiment, the barrier 12 is tapered, such that a greaterthickness is provided at the lower portion 15 of the barrier 12 comparedto the upper portion 17 of the barrier 12. As such, greater stability isprovided to the lower portion 15 of the barrier 12, adjacent to thejoint 16 and the planar base 11. Furthermore, in the demonstratedembodiment, each side of the planar base 11 tapers from the barrier 12to a distal end of the planar base 11. As such, additional structuralsecurity is provided to the joint 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier 12 and the planar base 11 area single, unitary member, such as to reduce the risk of separationbetween the planar base 11 and the barrier 12 at the joint 16 thereof.In other embodiments, however, the barrier 12 can be separated from theplanar base 11, such as to enable easier and more efficient storage andtransport of the water flow diversion apparatus 10. Additionally, insome embodiments, the planar base 11 and the barrier 12 may be made ofan identical material, while in other embodiments the planar base 11 andthe barrier 12 may be made of different materials. For example, aheavier material may be utilized on the planar base 11 and a waterproofflexible material may be used for the barrier 12.

A pair of support braces 14 are disposed on each side of the planar base11. The pair of support braces 14 are in operable connection with theplanar base 11 and with the barrier 12. As such, additional structuralstability and strength are provided to the barrier 12 such that thebarrier 12 will maintain position when subjected to the force of a highvolume or high velocity water current. In the demonstrated embodiment,the pair of support braces 14 are of a greater thickness than thebarrier 12. This allows for the pair of support braces 14 to strengthenthe barrier 12 primarily at the lower portion 15 of the barrier 12,where due to leverage exerted on the joint 16 of the planar base 11 andthe barrier 12, separation or tearing would be most likely to occur.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of support braces 14 are of anidentical length as the barrier 12, as well as the planar base 11.However, in alternate embodiments, the planar base 11, the barrier 12,and the pair of support braces 14 may be of different lengths. Forexample, in one embodiment, the pair of support braces 14 may be of alesser length than the length of the barrier 12 and of the planar base11 in order to allow for a level of flexion or to allow the water flowdiversion apparatus 10 to be curved. Additionally, in some embodiments,the barrier 12 and the planar base 11 are of an identical length, suchas to provide a maximum surface area of the barrier 12 to redirect awater current.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a top-down view of an embodimentof the water flow diversion apparatus. A plurality of apertures 18 a, 18b are disposed through the planar base 11. The plurality of apertures 18a, 18 b are provided such as to assist in securing the water flowdiversion apparatus to a ground surface or an underground surface. Inthe specific embodiment, the plurality of apertures 18 a, 18 b consistsof a first row of apertures 18 a disposed on a first side 20 of theplanar base 11 and a second row of apertures 18 b disposed on a secondside 21 of the planar base 11. The first row of apertures 18 a is offsetfrom the second row of apertures 18 b, such that the first row ifapertures 18 a and the second row of apertures 18 b are staggered. Assuch, the securing force of the plurality of apertures 18 a and 18 b ismore evenly dispersed amongst the surface area of the planar base 11.

Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of apertures18 a, 18 b are configured to be engaged by a plurality of fasteners 19.The plurality of fasteners 19 are configured to penetrate the planarbase 11 via the plurality of apertures 18 a, 18 b and then to secureinto the ground surface underneath the planar base 11. In theillustrated embodiment, the plurality of fasteners 19 comprises aplurality of anchor bolts. Alternatively, the plurality of fasteners 19could comprise any other type of fastener that is capable of securingthe planar base 11 to a ground surface through an aperture, such as astake or a staple. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, theplurality of apertures 18 a, 18 b further comprises a plurality ofwashers 22. The plurality of washers 22 are configured to prevent damageto the planar base 11 that could result from over tightening of theplurality of fasteners 19. In some embodiments, the plurality of washers22 are removable from the planar base 11. However, in other embodiments,the plurality of washers 22 are structurally integrated upon the planarbase 11 around the plurality of apertures 18 a, 18 b.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a bottom-up view of anembodiment of the water flow diversion apparatus. In the demonstratedembodiment, a plurality of protrusions 23 are disposed on a bottomsurface 24 of the planar base 11. The plurality of protrusions 23 areconfigured to increase the level of friction between the planar base 11and the ground surface upon which the water flow diversion apparatus 10is installed. In the specific embodiment, the plurality of protrusions23 consists of a pair of opposing groups of protrusions that are each ina parallel alignment. The plurality of protrusions 23 may be placed inparallel alignment, such as to enhance the friction and structuralstability of the water flow diversion apparatus in a singular direction.However, in alternate embodiments, the plurality of protrusions may benon-linear, circular, or of any other shape or configuration forsecuring the planar base 11 to the ground surface.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a demonstrative view of anembodiment of the water flow diversion apparatus. In use, the water flowdiversion apparatus 10 may be placed in an area to prevent water fromflowing upon that area. The planar base 11 is first secured to theground surface. The planar base 11 may be secured by engaging theplurality of protrusions 23 with the ground surface, as well as byplacing a plurality of fasteners 19 through the plurality of apertures18. Additionally, in order to further stabilize the planar base 11, aweighted structure, such as a weight or a natural material like dirt,may be placed on the top surface of the planar base 11 in order tofurther anchor the water flow diversion apparatus 10 to the desiredlocation.

Once the planar base 11 is properly positioned and secured, the barrier12 will be presented in the desired location to block and redirect awater current. When a weighted object is placed onto the planar base 11or the planar base 11 is buried underground to further secure theposition of the water flow diversion apparatus 10, the barrier 12 may beentirely above ground, or may be partially underground. Ideally thebarrier 12 should be provided to a height greater than the height of anexpected water current. The water flow diversion apparatus 10 may be apermanent installation upon a desired surface or may be temporarilydeployed in the event of flash floods or heavy rains.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, thatdepartures may be made within the scope of the invention and thatobvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. Withrespect to the above description then, it is to be realized that theoptimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

We claim: 1) A water flow diversion apparatus, comprising: a planarbase; a barrier extending perpendicularly upward from the planar base;the barrier comprising a pair of support braces on each side of theplanar base; the support braces secured to the planar base and to thebarrier. 2) The water flow diversion apparatus of claim 1, wherein thepair of support braces are of a greater thickness than the barrier. 3)The water flow diversion apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair ofsupport braces are of a lesser length than the length of the barrier andthe length of the planar base. 4) The water flow diversion apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein barrier is of an identical length as the planar base.5) The water flow diversion apparatus of claim 1, wherein the barrierand the planar base are a single, unitary structure. 6) The water flowdiversion apparatus of claim 1, wherein the barrier and the planar baseare separable from each other. 7) The water flow diversion apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the barrier and the planar base are composed ofdifferent materials. 8) The water flow diversion apparatus of claim 1,wherein the barrier and the planar base are made of rubber. 9) The waterflow diversion apparatus of claim 1, wherein the barrier is tapered froma proximate point above the base to a top edge thereof. 10) The waterflow diversion apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of apertures isdisposed through the planar base. 11) The water flow diversion apparatusof claim 10, further comprising a plurality of fasteners configured toengage the plurality of apertures. 12) The water flow diversionapparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of fasteners is a pluralityof anchor bolts. 13) The water flow diversion apparatus of claim 10,wherein a first row of apertures is disposed on a first side of theplanar base and a second row of apertures is disposed on a second sideof the planar base. 14) The water flow diversion apparatus of claim 13,wherein the first row of apertures is staggered with the second row ofapertures. 15) The water flow diversion apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe plurality of apertures comprises a plurality of washers. 16) Thewater flow diversion apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of protrusions disposed on the lower surface of the planarbase. 17) The water flow diversion apparatus of claim 1, wherein eachside of the planar base tapers from the barrier to a distal end on eachside of the planar base. 18) A method of diverting water from a surface,comprising: providing a water flow diversion apparatus; the water flowdiversion apparatus comprising a planar base, a barrier extending upwardfrom the planar base and a pair of support braces on each lateral sideof the barrier; securing the planar base of the water flow diversionapparatus to a ground surface. 19) The method of diverting water from asurface of claim 18, further comprising placing a weighted structureonto a top surface of the planar base. 20) The method of diverting waterfrom a surface of claim 18, wherein a plurality of anchor bolts isutilized to secure the planar base to the ground surface.